UTC units’ CH-53K power pack passes

Sikorsky Aircraft says a critical backup power source devised by its sister aerospace components division has passed its first test and is ready for demonstration aboard the Marine Corp's next generation CH-53K heavy lift helicopter.

Sikorsky in Stratford said the auxiliary power unit developed by subcontractor Hamilton Sundstrand is ready for the start of formal integration testing in early 2011.

Sikorsky and Hamilton Sundstrand are divisions of United Technologies Corp. in Hartford.

The backup power unit kicks in to power several crucial systems aboard the CH-53K in the event it loses electrical power from its main generators.

Sikorsky has a $3 billion contract to design and build more than 200 CH-53Ks that will be a more powerful replacement for the shipboard CH-53E Super Stallion.